Los Angeles - Demand for tablet computers, touchscreen phones and e-readers will help drive a 6.8 percent increase in CE sales this holiday season, to nearly $7 billion.

According to a new report by market research firm IBISWorld, CE will be the second-largest revenue generator for retailers during the Nov. 1 to Dec. 25 period, following only clothing.

The home and garden category, which includes appliances, will be the fourth-largest holiday category, with sales edging up 1.1 percent to $5.7 billion.

Total holiday spending is expected to increase 3.3 percent to $64.3 billion, as lingering unemployment will keep holiday retail sales from hitting pre-recessionary levels, IBISWorld said.